How suspected drug kingpin was arrested attempting to flee to Kenya

The DCEA official's decision came after receiving intelligence that the accused was planning to flee the country.

Mr Kambi, along with five others are facing eight charges, including leading a criminal gang, trafficking 34.89 kilograms of heroin, and money laundering.

The other accused individuals in the case are; former Simba SC goalkeeper coach Muharami Sultani, aka Shilton (40); Maulid Mzungu, aka Mbonde (54), a land broker and coconut vendor from Kisemvule; Said Matwiko, a resident of Magole; John Andrew, known as Chipanda (40), a resident of Kitunda who allegedly recruited young talent for the academy; and Sarah Joseph, Matwiko’s wife.

These individuals are facing charges related to economic sabotage. Their testimonies will be heard in the High Court’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division, commonly known as the "Corruption Court."

Three state attorneys, led by Senior State Attorney Grace Mwanga, with assistance from Judith Kyamba and Roida Mwakamele, read out the witness statements and evidence in what is known as the Commital Proceedings.

State Attorney Mwanga told the court that the proceedings were taking place after the conclusion investigation into the case.

Before reading the witness statements, Ms Mwanga reminded the accused of the charges they face, then proceeded to read out each witness’s testimony.

First witness testifies about seizure of drugs

The first witness, Police Inspector Hassan Msangi from the DCEA, testified that on the night of October 26, 2022, while on patrol, they received a tip-off that Kambi was involved in the drug trade and was moving heroin to Kivule, at the homes of John Andrew and Said Matwiko.

"We had two vehicles, so we split up. While others went to John’s house, I went to Matwiko’s house to conduct a search and apprehend the suspects," Msangi testified.

At Matwiko’s house, they found two wooden boxes. One contained 12 packets of heroin, while the other held six bags filled with heroin. They also found eight nylon bags with more heroin.

After documenting the items, the officers arrested Matwiko and his wife, Ms Sarah Joseph, and took them into custody.

Officers also found heroin in John’s possession. John claimed that Kambi had given him the drugs and that he was planning to flee.

Following this discovery, the DCEA, in cooperation with other security agencies, set up checkpoints at borders and airports nationwide.

Authorities also searched Mr Kambi’s home in the Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam, but he was not there, instead, they encountered his sister, Ms Sabrina Zuberi Seif.

Mr Kambi’s room was locked, and the officers had to break down the door to search it, where they found Sh9 million in cash and the keys to a Toyota Fortuner.

They were informed that Mr Kambi had fled after hearing that his associates—Chipanda, Said, and Maulid—had been arrested.

Kambi’s arrest

On October 30, 2022, DCEA officers and other security personnel set up a camp at the Horohoro border based on intelligence that Kambi was trying to cross into Kenya.

On October 31, they arrested Kambi, who was found in possession of $500, Sh41,000 in cash, four mobile phones, and a passport. He was then transported back to Dar es Salaam.

Mr Kambi was questioned on November 1, 2022, and admitted to his involvement in the drug trade.

He also named his associates, revealing that he had been in the business since 2009, initially selling heroin at retail.

He sourced the drugs from Hafidh and Kelvin Soka. Kambi confirmed that the heroin came from Afghanistan, via the Indian Ocean, and was received by Ali Yusuph. He would then distribute the heroin to Kulangwa, Muharami, and John.

It was also revealed that Mr Kambi had registered his phone lines under other people’s names to avoid detection, claiming that he did not have a National ID. However, authorities found his ID during a search.

In addition, it was discovered that Mr Kambi owned five TATA vehicles, purchased with funds from his drug trafficking activities. He is the director of Safia Group Companies Limited.

Muharami’s arrest

Muharami was arrested in the morning at Bweni area after finishing his training session.

According to the prosecution, he was detained after DCEA officers visited his training location, where he was seen with Seleman Matola.

Mr Matola led the officers to a parking area, where Muharami was found in his Hyundai Santa Fe.

The officers searched the vehicle and a nearby gym. They then proceeded to Kigamboni, where they searched his home.

Mr Muharami confessed to his involvement in the drug trade and admitted to transporting drugs to his brother, Maulid, who lives in Mkuranga.

On October 27, 2022, Police Inspector Brown from the DCEA, accompanied by other officers, went to Maulid's house in Mkuranga.

There, they found a white bucket containing heroin hidden in a corner under a sheet of metal. Muharami confessed to receiving 73 packets of heroin, distributing 25 packets to John, and hiding eight packets with Maulid.

Charges against the accused

The accused face multiple charges, including leading a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking, specifically heroin hydrochloride, between 2016 and November 4, 2022.

They are accused of trafficking 27.10 kilograms of heroin in Kivule, Dar es Salaam, on October 27, 2022, and 7.79 kilograms of heroin in Kamegele, Mkuranga, on November 4, 2023.

Mr Kambi faces additional charges of money laundering, as he allegedly purchased four TATA vehicles in April 2021 using funds obtained from the drug trade.